Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has highlighted the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, which has gained prominence since the establishment of the League of Nations to promote international cooperation and prevent future conflicts.
He commended African parliamentarians for their significant role in providing legislative support for peacekeeping missions to address conflicts and stabilize fragile states in Africa.
He highlighted that parliamentarians play a crucial role in providing legislative support, oversight, and funding for these missions. He also advocated for international support and cooperation to enhance peacekeeping efforts on the continent.
Speaker Bagbin made these remarks at the 148th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), held from March 23-27, in Geneva, Switzerland.
The IPU serves as a platform for parliamentarians worldwide to exchange ideas, collaborate on shared challenges, promote democratic values, address global issues, and advance peace and understanding globally. The Union aims to contribute to building a more inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous world for all.
He spoke on the theme “Parliamentary Diplomacy: Building Bridges for Peace and Understanding.”
“By affirming our commitment to diplomatic efforts, prioritising peace and cooperation in parliamentary agendas, and calling for collective action towards building bridges and fostering global harmony, we in Africa can contribute to overcoming the challenges confronting parliamentary diplomacy and advancing the interests of our countries and the continent as a whole.”
He emphasized that parliamentary diplomacy plays a crucial and indispensable role in addressing complex global challenges and fostering peace and understanding.
Throughout their discussions, it had become abundantly clear that the involvement of legislative bodies was not just essential but necessary for effective governance on the international stage, from the historical roots of parliamentary engagement in diplomacy to the contemporary challenges facing parliamentarians.
“We cannot overlook the key challenges, such as limited resources and political instability, that must be addressed to enhance the efficacy of parliamentary diplomacy,” Speaker Babgin said.
“One central theme has emerged from our discussion: parliamentary diplomacy is fundamental to building a better world, and there can be no doubt about that.”
He highlighted that by providing platforms for dialogue, collaboration, and conflict resolution, parliamentarians could bridge divides, promote mutual understanding, and advocate peaceful resolutions to conflicts. The democratic legitimacy and grassroots representation inherent in parliamentary diplomacy enrich diplomatic discourse and contribute to more inclusive and effective global governance.
He highlighted that by providing platforms for dialogue, collaboration, and conflict resolution, parliamentarians could bridge divides, promote mutual understanding, and advocate peaceful resolutions to conflicts.
The democratic legitimacy and grassroots representation inherent in parliamentary diplomacy enrich diplomatic discourse and contribute to more inclusive and effective global governance.
He highlighted that by providing platforms for dialogue, collaboration, and conflict resolution, parliamentarians could bridge divides, promote mutual understanding, and advocate peaceful resolutions to conflicts.
The democratic legitimacy and grassroots representation inherent in parliamentary diplomacy enrich diplomatic discourse and contribute to more inclusive and effective global governance.
“As we look toward the future, we must express our deepest gratitude to parliamentarians around the world for their tireless efforts in promoting peace and understanding.”
Speaker Bagbin noted that despite the challenges they faced, there was hope for a future where nations came together in cooperation and solidarity.
“We must reaffirm our commitment to diplomatic engagement, prioritise peacebuilding efforts, and foster collaboration among nations, so we can build a more peaceful and prosperous world for generations to come,” he said.
“For democracy, for everyone, leaving no one behind, we move together to build bridges for peace and understanding. Together we can.”